Machine for clearing land, roads, and streets.



STREETS.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 fiza rzzzar PATENTS!) AUG. 4, 1908.-

J. VON BERTOUCH. MACHINE FOR CLEARING LAND, ROADS, A

I (754262246 ware APPLIQATION FILED JULY 11, 1907.

.No. 895,332. I

3 PATENTEDAUGQ- 1908.,

Y J. VON BERTOUGH. A V MACHINE FOR CLEARING LAND, ROADS, AND STRBET'S..

APPLICATION FILED JULY 11; 1507.

v l n u 7VM8 es To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that LJULIUS VON BERTOUCH, a subject of the King of Great Britain, residing at Kapunda, in the State of South Aus tralia, in the Commonwealth of Australia, licensed surveyor, have invented a'certain new and useful Improved Machine for Clearing Land, Roads, and Streets, of which the following is a specification.

consisting of an adjustable stump-jumping rake or scoop of special construction adapted to engage obstacles at or near the surface of the ground, and a rotating double spindle having interchangeable gatherers, heaters, or brushes which carry or convey the material over the rake or scoop to an endless elevator of special construction which conveys the material to a tip receptacle connected to the frame-work at the rear of the machine.

In order that my invention may be the better understood, I will now proceed to do scribe the same with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figurel is a side elevation showing the general arrangement of my machine as used 'or gathering stones and the like. Fig. 2 is a plan of the same with the gatherers or heaters removed. Fig. 3 is a detail front view of portion of the gatherers. Fig. 4 is a detail view of one of the gathcrels for onions, potatoes, and the like. Fig. 5 is a detail perspective view of one of the cutters with. whips employed for weed clearing. Figs. 6 and 7 are detail views of one form of brushes and scoop for street sweeping. Fig. 7 is a detail view of a device for gathering such as snow, ice, or earth. jumping action of the rake or scoop. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the means for raising and lowering the ends of the framework.

In the drawings A is the main frame-work of the machme suitably mounted 111 wheels UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE. 5 1 i i-ULIUS vox BERTOUCH, or KAPUXDA, SOUTH A ST ALIA;IKUSTRALLK. I i I MACHINE FOR CLEARING LAND, ROADS, AND STREIETS.II

Specification of Letters Patent. Application filed July 11, 1307. Serial No. 383,229.

inafter described by means of a lever D and Fig. 8 is a detail view showing the.

-IEa.tented Aug. 4,, 1908. I. i

A and A, the front wheels A being so ported by standards A ,'upon which t e I front end of the framevork A is adapted to J i slide vertically. It is capable of being raised 7 and lowered by means of screw rods A. at Q either side, connected by an endless chain A, '5 working on sprocket wheels A one of the 5 screw rods A having an operating handle i A- The front of the framework A is provided with a pole B and swingle connectlons IS for the attachment of horses.

ll'ithin the frame-work A is mounted a spindle C to which is hinged an interchange able rake or scoop D by means of arms D. The rake or scoop D is arranged to. c llect obstacles or material at or near the surface of the ground. The rake or scoop D may ev provided with interchangeable teeth} 0'11: shovels which are preferably adjustable anchreveisible as shown in Fig. 2 adapted f "r gathering stones, stumps, onions, potatoes weeds, earth, and the like. The rake or scoop D may be adjusted in relation to the ground and to rotating gathereis, heaters, cntters ,'or brushes arranged above it as heremay be lifted clear of the ground when not in use, such as for transport. The rake or scoop D is capable of a umping action so as to pass over fixed stumps and the like. In order to compensate this action and to mainl tain the rake or scoop D in position, suiti g able springs, weights, or draft power may be provided. In Fig. 8 one form of draft power is shown. The arms I) are each pro- 5 vided with a draft arm D working in a pulf le r or roller D linked to another pulley or 1 roller D working on a guide D hinged to the nine-work A and connecting with the front portion of the frame-work by a draft chain 1' g D". This draft power maybe disconnected i fmni the rake or scoop D to afford draft direct on the frame-work A.

An adjustable stay or stop arm D connecting with the framework A is provided for preventing the rake from being drawn 1 forward beyond its adjusted position.

The portion of the spindle C which extends across the fore part of the machine between thearnis D of the rake or scoop D is com- 5 prised of two parallel bars between which the arms of the gatherers, heaters, cutters, or broshes may be adjustably mounted as desired. and are thereby capable of being ar- I ranged in adjustable sections along the double bar portion C" and of being extended out l I l I I I I I l wards in varying directions from it. The

the gath'erers.

- wards in various positions by bending some of them at the point where they join the double bars Cl. lVhen gathering certain classes-of stones or stumps these gatherers or beater-s F may be dispensed with.

When used for onion, potato, and the like gathering I preferably employ gatherers, as shown in Fig. 4. Each consists of a rake device G, preferably of spring steel, attached to a plate or crossbar G hinged between two arms G, adjustably bolted to the double bars C, and having a compressible spring Gr connecting the rake device G and the double bars C, whereby the rake device G is capable of a jumping action to pass over fixed stumps, and of gathering and delivering the onions, potatoes, and the like to the rear as hereinafter described. A series of these gathercrs are applied to the double bars C.

For cutting noxious weeds I employ a series of devices like the one shown in Fig. 5, consisting of a cutting blade II adjustably mounted upon an arm H preferably of spring steel, extending from a plate or :rossbar H hinged between arms H adjastably mounted between the double bars C, and having a connnessible spring H arranged between the rear portion of the arm H and the double bars C whereby a stump-jumping action is provided. \Vhips or rods H preferably of spring steel, are provided on the plate or crossbar H to catch the cut weeds and throw them to the rear. The cutting blade H is capable of adjustment to any desired angle, and may be reversed when one edge is worn. The weeds may be collected in a supplementary receptacle suspended to the frame-work A behind the cutting blades H instead of employing an endless elevator r s hereinafter described, but if it is only desi; ed to cut the weeds and .not gather them, the receptacle may be dispensed with.

My machine may be adapted for cleaning or sweeping roads, streets. or the like by providing the rotating spindle C with a cylindrical framing J having a series of brushes or brooms J around its circuinfcrence which sweep the material to tliesscoop D, and from thence to an endless elevator. If desired,

the cylindrical framing J mav be su )orted by arms adjust-ably mounted between the double bars C. The lower portion of the which regulate the position of the scoop D, 1' and the arms D supporting the scoop are connected with the spindle C upon which the brushes J,..rot ate.

My machine may also be adapted for gathering snow, ice, and earth; For this purpose I employ a series of devices as shown in Fig.

7. Each consists of a rake device 1 havin a plate 2 for engaging the material, the sai rake device 1 being attached to a plate or crossbar 3 hinged between two arms 4 ad- 'ustably bolted to the double bars C" and having a compres ible spring 5 connecting the rake device 1 and the double bars (1 whereby the rake device 1 is capable of a jumping action and of gathering and delivering the snow, ice. or earth to the rear. The rake or scoop D is formed of bars fitting more closely together than those shown in Fig. 2

for gathering such as stones and stumps.-

The endless elevator receives the material from the rake or scoop D, or from the gatherers and cutting devices hcrcinhet'ore described. The elevator consists of a series of projecting metal bars or ribs K, extending partly across the machine and attachcdat suitable intervals to endless chains L revolving on sprocket wheels-L driven from the wheels, A of the machine by means of the sprocket wheels and chains E, which may bearranged in any desired position to suit the convenience of the machine, and to secure the best possible driving power. For example, instead of placing tne intermediate spindie with sprocket wheel under the main driving chain as shown in Fig. I it may be situated above the main driving chain and the elevator driving chain be connected with the lower spindle of the elevator. The bars or ribs K serve to catch or grip the material and ellcctually convey it to the collecting receptacle M. The spaces between the bars or ribs K may be wholly or partly lillcd by llat pieces of metal Kconncctcd with the endless chains L. These tlat pieces of metal K are hinged at their ends so that they tilt when passing around the upper curve of the clevator, and hang in a vertical position as shown in Fig. I when passing on the underneath side of the elevator so as to allow loose earth or the like to fall through with iacility.

\Vhen gathering st ones or stnm ps, onions, )o-

tatoes and the like. 0 )enings are pnei'era ily left to allow loose earth and the like to fall to the ground. The elevator may be provided with suitable guards on either side whereby the material is prevented from fallin over. Adjusting screws are also provided wncrcby the lower end of the elevator may be raised or lowered when required. Suitable clutch gearing N is also provided for throwing the "working parts of the machine out of operaition. This may be. operated from a handle N through connecting rods N The gear ing of the machine may he so arranged that variable speeds may be imparted to both the spindle C and the elevator, an increased A speedfi being required for such as cutting weeds, and a reduced speed for such as gatheringonions and potatoes. For this purpote interchangeable sprocket or cog wheels and chains may be employed or'thc elevator may be driven by means of cog and pinion wheels adjustable in relation to the driving wheels A of the machine. The collecting receptacle M is referably arranged at the rear of the machine, partly underneath the elevator, and is a'pable of aitilting action. 'hen used for gathering stones, stumps, onions, potatoes, or the like, a grating or opening M is provided at the bottom, whereby loose earth and the like may fall back to the ground, and the size conjunction with the grating or openings M v an opening or partly openingand closing false bot-tom adjusted by means of slides may be provided. IV hen gathering eartlr or 'cleaning roads it is necessary that the bottom of the receptacle M should be closed. A slide or grader M may be hung from the upper fore part of the receptacle M so as to incline to or towards the bottom and rear of the receptacle M, whereby the materials may be. distributed in the receptacle according to their respective sizes.

If desired a suitable cover may be provided over a part or the whole of the machine. The adjust-able parts of my invention are so arranged that the machine may be readily changed from a stone, stump, earth, snow, ice, onion, or potato and the like gatherer, to a weed cutter and or gatherer, to a clod breaker or road cleaner, or vice'versa, as desired.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A machine of the class described comprising a supporting frame, a scoop carried thereon, arotary spindle journaled on the frame having means for operating it, and means for interchangeably supporting gatherers on said spindle in cooperative relation with said S000) and serving to convey the material over 1: 1e scoop.

2. A machine of the class described comprising a supporting frame, a scoop carried thereon and arranged in proximity to the ground, a pair of axially alined spindles journaled on the frame, means for revolving the respective spindles, and means for interchangeably supporting gathereis on said spindles and in cooperative relation with the scoop for conveying the material over the scoop.

of the material collected be regulated. In=

to a collecting re reptacle substantially as described and for tie purposes indicated.

4. In a machine for clearing land, roads, and streets, the combination with a stum jumping rake or scoop for gathering loose obstacles (such as stones, stumps, onions. potatoes, and the like) at or.near the surface of the ground; of a rotating spindle arranged above the said rake or scoop, comprising two parallel bars, between which are adjustably mounted a series of outwardly extending ally conveving such obstacles rearwards substantially as described and for the purposes indicated.

5. In a machine for clearing land a rotatable spindle extending across the fore part of the machine, and having a series of outwardly extending gatherers for such as onions and potatoes, each consisting of a. rake device attached to a plate or crobar hinged between two arms adjustably secured to the said spindle, the said rake device having a. jumping action against the tension of a spiral spring arranged above it, and the rotateble spindle whereby the materials are gathered and conveyed to the rear substantially as described.

6. In a machine for clearing land, roads, and streets. the combination with a rotatable cylindrical frame-work carrying brushes or brooms; of a collecting scoop whose lower portion is constructed in sections hinged to an axle supported on wheels, whereby each section rises and falls with the variations in the surface of the ground substantially as described.

7. In a machine for clearing land, roads, and streets, the combination with a stumpjumping rake or scoop and rotating means for throwing up or conveying the material rearwards; of an endless elevator discharging into a collecting receptacle consisting of a series of projecting metal bars or ribs arranged transversely and attached at suitable intervals to an endless chain revolving on sprocket or cog wheels driven from a wheel of the machine, the said elevator having adjusting setscrews or the like for altering its incline substantially as described and for the purposes indicated.

8. In a. machine for clearing land the combination with a stump-jumping rake or scoop and rotatable means for throwing up or conveying the material rearwards: of an endless eleva tor, discharging into a collecting recependless elevator from which it is conveyed gatherers or heaters capable of automatictacle, and consisting of a series of projecting metal bars or ribs arranged transversely and attached at suitable intervals to an endless chain, to which are also connected flat ieces of metal arranged to wholly or partly ill the spaces between the bars or ribs, which flat pieces are hinged so as'to tilt to a vertical position when they pass around the upper curve and along the underneath side of the elevator, which is driven from a wheel of the machine, and has set screws or the like for altering its incline substantially as described and for the purposes indicated.

9. In a machine for clearing land, roads, and streets, the combination with a stumpjumping rake or scoop and rotatable means for throwing up or conveying the material rearwards over the said rake or scoop and to an endless elevator; of a collecting receptacle capable of a tilting action and having a grating or adjustable openings at the bottom, and a slide or grader extending from its upper fore part to or towards the bottom at an incline whereby the materials falling into the receptacle may be distributed according to their respective sizes substantially as described and for the purposes indicated.

10. In a machine for clearing land, roads, and streets, a rake or scoop hinged to a spindle mounted in the frame work and having a draft arm working in a pulley or roller linked to another pulley or roller working on a guide hinged to the frame-work and connecting with the front portion of the framework by a draft chain, the said rake or scoop being held in position by a stay or stop arm connecting with the frame-work and having a lever and connections for raising and holding it out of operation substantiall as described and for the purposes indicate 11. In a machine for clearing land, roads, and streets, the combination with a framework in which is mounted a collecting rake or scoop, and a rotatable device for conveying or throwing the material rearwards; of means for raising and lowering the fore part of the said frame-work consistii: g in looselv mounting its ends on the front wheel stand ards and providing screw rods at either side connected by an endless chain working on sprocket wheels, one of the screw rods having an operating handle substantially as described.

12. In a machine for clearing la nd, roads, and streets, the combination. with a gathering rake or scoop and a rotatable device for throwing up or conveying the material rearwards and an endless elevator both driven from the wheel of the machine; of clutch gearing for throwing the working parts out of operation.

13. A machine of the class described com prising a supporting frame, a scoop mounted thereon and arranged in proximity to the ground, a spindle journaled in said frame means for revolving the spindle, and a gath erer mounted on said spindle comprising a,

set of radial arms, devices hinged on the ends of said arms on axes parallel to the spindle and arranged to cooperate with the material for conveying the latter over said scoop, and means for yieldingly retaining said hinged devices in operative position relatively to said supporting arms.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JUL-HIS VON BERTOUCH.

\Vitnesses Crus es STANLEY Bunenss, ARTHUR. Wmrnmcn BOWEN. 

